When a person gets infected by a bacterium called the mycobacterium leprae, it starts multiplying in the body. Leprosy is a very slowly progressing disease and the incubation period for the bacteria it takes three years and sometimes more. During the incubation period, the bacteria do not show any visible signs or symptoms in the person.

Leprosy mainly affects the skin and the peripheral nerves. Sometimes, the incubation period for leprosy can be 6 months to many decades. The symptoms of leprosy vary very widely.

Some of the early symptoms of the disease include lightening of skin. The skin may initially develop a red colored rash. There would be no sensitivity on this rash. The skin loses the sensation to touch or any other form of feeling. As the disease advances, the infected person feels the skin tighten and also it is very dry. When the disease reaches an advanced level the person loses their fingers and toes. However, it is important to remember that not everyone who has been infected with leprosy will lose their fingers and toes.

The person also develops muscle weakness, especially in the hands and legs. The nerve endings at the elbows and knees may seem bulged or expanded. These are the peripheral nerves. The mildest type of leprosy is the tuberculoid leprosy, and the symptoms of it are same. However, the disease at this stage can be treated easily. Initially when the bacteria start affecting a person, it may feel a lot of pain in the muscles. It can also lead to vision loss in some cases.

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